The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

The Clintons are ridiculously thin-skinned sometimes. The phrase "pimped out" no longer has anything to do with prositution. Grow up, Billary. This is exactly the kind of crap you pull that has me supporting Obama.

Seems to me that the analogy is fitting, given the Clintons's pimping out of the White House during his reign. Anyone remember selling access to Bill via the Lincoln Bedroom? What about transfer of top secret technology to China after Bill's fund raising activities with Chinese government surrogates? How about Bill's influence peddling this year for uranium exploration that is netting him $100MM+? Suddenly Hillary can afford to "donate" funds to her own campaign. Yuck - how slimy can you get?

are you serious?

what if someone said that YOUR daughter was being "pimped out"? it was an unnecessary, inappropriate, and cruel comment.

no candidate deserves a journalist calling them any name or offensive reference, so why would it be okay to do the same thing to their family member? how is this a thin-skinned behavior?

these 2 incidents on MSNBC alone prove that the media is incredibly biased against clinton.

Don't do it, David!

Until there is some evidence that the second generation SONY ARBO artificial intelligence offspring android is actually capable of detecting offense, I'd say no harm, no foul.

it would be just as easy to say that obama is being pimped out by oprah, 1/2 the kennedy family, and the media itself.

this is honestly pathetic. you all claim that clinton has no emotions, that she's robotic, and so forth. but you are the ones who are being inhumane through your childish comments.

I think it's fair to say the critics of Sen Clinton among the commenters on this site have jumped the shark in terms of basic human decency. I do hope they are, in fact, the GOP operatives posing as Obama supporters they seem to be. The alternative, I share a party with such unreasoning hatred, is depressing.

I'm glad Schuster is apologizing. It was an indefensible, degrading comment. I'm actually pretty blown away that he used it because he seems like a reasonable guy. It just goes to show how insidious sexist (and racist) language still is in our society -- for him to not even understand that the comment was incredibly sexist and degrading is a problem.

p.s. -- fervent Obama supporter here, and a woman.

The P.C. police strike again...

trisha2 - watch Dan Abrams if you want MSNBC pro-Hillary coverge, 9:00 EST.

MSNBC has been acting as a pimp for Obama for the last one year. The main pimps are Schuster, Chris Mathews, Brian Williams and Tm Russert. The way they acted in the Philadelphia Debate and the lies they have been telling continuosly are ample proof of that

I think Shuster's error was the same as frequently occurs in reporters' posts to this site. As the pace quickens they often forget when to switch from "outside voice" to "inside voice". Their personal conversations, where they openly express their loathing for Sen Clinton and her family, spill into their professional product in the form of snide, simpering sneering entirely inappropriate and harmful to our political discourse. For this reason, I frequently point out how childish and unprofessional is their product. I do wish others would join me in holding them to a responsible and high standard, regardless of whose ox they gore on that particular day. It's important.

Let me use Schuster's analogy with more appropriate language: "It seems that Chelsea is being used by her mother in an expedient way fitting of Hill/Bill's modus operandi." Is that appropriate enough for the Clintonistas? The truth is the truth.

zukermand:

"The alternative, share a party with such unreasoning hatred, is depressing."

Perhaps you've never been to DailyKos or heard of Bush Dereangement Syndrome?

And by the way, reporters, GET OVER YOURSELVES. If Chelsea doesn't want to give interviews, she is perfectly within her rights. Nowhere does it state that if a person campaigns for a candidate they have to give the press interviews.

This is the kind of nonsense that makes normal people loathe the media.

Derangement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_Derangement_Syndrome

And speaking of offensive comments...

"second generation SONY ARBO"

cmss1:

No where does it state that the CANDIDATE has to give the press interviews either -- I agree that there should not be personal attacks -- but, it is completely within the right of a free press to objectively note when someone declines to be interviewed.

I suppose the "Pimp My Ride" show will now have to change their name. Give me a break.

j_rhymes, then why are so many people voting for Obama? Get a life. The comment was inappropriate. It could have been said better. Matthews comment could have been said better as well.

I don't like Billary at all and am a big fan of Shuster's. But when I heard him say that is morning, I thought it was completely out of line. Not necessarily for the "pimp" connotation but because the whole premise was off-base. Heck, so what if she's politicking for Mom and shunning the media? Shuster, who is normally balanced in his reporting, seems especially anti-Clinton lately...in fact, ever since Matthews was called on the carpet.

Apology? The only apology should be to the viewers for injecting heavy personal bias into his reports.

Surprising- he is usually very professional. He should apologize but not a huge deal. These on-air types obviously are getting tired so they are going to make mistakes.

Totally disgusting and is about par for the media lately.
If it is not Hilary then it is her daughter, being assaulted verbally.
Such good guys in the media these days!
Too afraid of a good, and effective woman becoming President, is what I suspect is their problem.
I cannot believe what I have been seeing lately, although nothing surprises me anymore.
I mean after Bush, Obama?
Need I say more?
All talk and no substance, as usual.

I saw the segment of Tucker last night and it was offensely said, and EVERY other person on the show jumped on him immediately to repudiate the remark (he did not). As they pointed out, many people have endorsed Obama and made calls for him (Oprah, etc), but do not do interviews.

These political pundits and reporters spend too much of their time shooting off their mouths trying to look cute and not enough time covering the bases of good reporting..

MSNBC should fire him, the same way they fired Don Imus for essentially doing the same thing.

Actually, Imus was only horsing around when he shot off his mouth.. Shuster was supposedly presenting a serious report about an election.

And I would suggest it would never cross the minds of the anti-Clinton airheads at MSNBC to say the Obama campaign was "pimping out" Oprah Winfrey in Iowa and California.

I can't believe there are people who think this kind of comment is acceptable in American politics.
Are these the same voters who tell us that their candidate, Senator Barack Obama, can change the tone in Washington?
Hey, Obamaniacs, he's obviously failing miserably.

This comment has no place in American politics.
If Obama supporters think it does, they shame their own candidate's message.

MSNBC has consistently been insulting to most of the presidential candidates and their families. The sole exceptions have been Obama and McCain. Their commentary is smug, anecdotal, trivial and often confuses straight reporting with editorializing. Their anti-Clinton bias, especially by Chris Matthews, has already been a widely reported but is not limited to just him. Their various hosts, Scarborough, Tucker, Olberman sound like loud mouthed frat boys just sounding off and enjoying their own camaraderie. There is a whiff of sexism that permeates much of it, and a bully boy style that is offensive. Shuster is a smart and ambitious reporter and is getting
into a bad habit of copying their same negative tone.

For offensive comments, see http://hillaryclintondebates.com/

freespeak, I must have missed the edit of Obama saying this comment. It was a comment made by a CNN host, not an Obama operative. And I don't think any true Obama supporter thinks that this is okay.

what is it about these media hacks? John Gibson, meet David Shuster.

Shut up.
Report.
We don't want to get into your ideas.
Tell us what you 'see.'
Don't tell us what you 'think.'
Pretty simmple.
And if you can't handle that by the time you make it to a network, you have no damned business being there.

This was a very poor usage of vernacular on Mr. Shuster's part. Were Chelsea Clinton still in high school and campaigning on her own, then there would be a lot of truth to Mr. Shuster's implication, just not his words. Rather, she is an adult and I am certain she could have opted out of campaigning altogether.

However, Ms. Clinton should make herself available to the press; at one appearance she blew off a 9-year old writer for the Scholastic magazine. Both President Bush and Vice President Cheney's children spoke to the press during the 2004 campaign, as did Senator Kerry's daughters and step-children. Even John Edwards and Barak Obama have allowed their below voting-age children to talk to reporters. Still and all, it is very odd that Ms. Clinton was 'phoning super-delegates. That has the dank odors of desperation about it, like a failing car dealership's cable t.v. commercial.

MSNBC has been acting as a pimp for Obama for the last one year. The main pimps are Schuster, Chris Mathews, Brian Williams and Tm Russert. The way they acted in the Philadelphia Debate and the lies they have been telling continuosly are ample proof of that

Lets face it , the Clintons have very high negitives , that's why Hillary is un-electable and bad for this country. I think this guy was a bit out of line , but he was speaking the truth. The Clintons will DO ANYTHING to regain power , including tossing there Daughter to the wolves , if that's what it takes.They are SHAMELESS people.

MSNBC has been acting as a pimp for Obama for the last one year. The main pimps are Schuster, Chris Mathews, Brian Williams and Tm Russert. The way they acted in the Philadelphia Debate and the lies they have been telling continuosly are ample proof of that

Of course he should apologize and then he should be dismissed. It is not only a foul insult, but it betrays a sexism of the most sordid kind. Had he made this comment about Obama pimping out his wife you can be sure MSNBC would have fired him on the spot. Dismiss him and show some class, MSNBC.

MSNBC has been acting as a pimp for Obama for the last one year. The main pimps are Schuster, Chris Mathews, Brian Williams and Tm Russert. The way they acted in the Philadelphia Debate and the lies they have been telling continuosly are ample proof of that

Look, the comment was offensive, pure and simple. I am an Obama supporter, and for the same reason blatant attempts to question his religious faith, comments like Shuster's are completely inappropriate. One does not have to stop being civil because we are engaged in a political competition. I think that is what Obama is trying to overcome.

Shuster's verbally abusive comments against Chelsea should have gotten him fired. There should be a zero tolorence level to this on MSNBC. The obvious unpleasant and spiteful intensity of his verbiage merely compounds the fact that MSNBC should not tolerate this abuse against a woman.

Men have tried to use these types of abusive sexist remarks against women for far too long. It needs to stop. It does not need to be excused away with even more platitudes as if it should be an accepted norm because "look over there - see how it is used" and tuff if you don't like it.

Firing Shuster would be the best way MSNBC could apologize.

Dear " Jayne"
Sexism is as ugly as racism. Your reference to Hillary Clinton as "Billary" is as ugly as calling Obama an "oreo". UGLY, UNJUSTIFIABLE, Better left in the trash can of intolerance.

There is nothing that Shuster has to apologize for with regards to his comment. It is correct.

I used to think that the Main stream liberal media is better than Fox news and Rush Limbaugh. After watching these Obama Partisans(Pimps) like Schuster, Chris Mathews, Tim Russert and Brian Williams, I think the right wing media is far better. At least the right wing media is honest about their intentions. These shameless pimps at MSNBC should atleast have the decency to say that they support Obama, instead of lying about their intentions

Maybe MSNBC can learn from this and raise the intelligence standard on their network. Having an on-air personality like Shuster use the phrase "pimping someone out" is not only inappropriate and unprofessional, but also base and childish. Given that CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC seem to be in a race to the bottom away from smart and informative news, maybe MSNBC (and NBC) can change course and try to elevate the level of discourse and analysis.

An apology is not enough IMO. Shuster has been consistently and viciously anti-Clinton for some time now. He is the second biggest offender on MSNBC (Chris Matthews has been the worst but probably only because he gets more air time than Shuster).

About the only un-biased commentators on MSNBC lately have been Dan Abrams, Pat Buchanan (never thought I would agree with him on ANYTHING but at least he can separate his personal feelings from his commentary), and Craig Crawford. I'm disgusted at the way the media has been distorting Clinton's record and making personal attacks on the whole family.

I used to think that the Main stream liberal media is better than Fox news and Rush Limbaugh. After watching these Obama Partisans(Pimps) like Schuster, Chris Mathews, Tim Russert and Brian Williams, I think the right wing media is far better. At least the right wing media is honest about their intentions. These shameless pimps at MSNBC should atleast have the decency to say that they support Obama, instead of lying about their intentions

Who cares.. Now he will be a Hillary shrill because NOW and Emily's list went after him too.

I used to think that the Main stream liberal media is better than Fox news and Rush Limbaugh. After watching these Obama Partisans(Pimps) like Schuster, Chris Mathews, Tim Russert and Brian Williams, I think the right wing media is far better. At least the right wing media is honest about their intentions. These shameless pimps at MSNBC should atleast have the decency to say that they support Obama, instead of lying about their intentions

j_rhymes, do you pimp win a pimp prize based on pimp the number of pimp times you use the word pimp in a pimp post?

Of course you like the right-wing media. Regards to Rush...

Hillary Clinton wasn't even my fourth choice for the Democratic nomination, but the way the mainstream media have treated the Clintons makes me root for her, and I may well vote for her next week.

It's pretty obvious that these talking heads want Obama to win the Democratic nomination and they've already gotten their wish on the Republican side.

Of course, that's the same thing that happened in 2000, where the press liked Dubya because he seemed like such a regular guy while Gore seemed stiff and standoffish. So, we end up with the worst president in American history, thanks in part from the slant put on the campaign by these smug birdbrains.

Keep spinning, you clowns. You'll end up getting us another idiot in the White House.

Could David Schuster really do Chelsea anymore harm than what her father did to her when he had the tawdry affair in the Oval Office? Who, in fact, committed the greater offense here? And, which, in fact, will have a more lasting effect on her psyche? Yes, Mr. Schuster's offense was done by words, but her father's sexual abuse (call it what it was) of a young intern in the White House no less was by action.

The television industry doesn't understand that there is potentially a huge market for a 24-hour news channel that delivers news with a serious, insightful, and responsible tone, instead of trying to provide "entertainment". The channel could even cover world news. But it's not going to happen because nobody's creative enough to see past the short-term bottom line, instead of seeing what could be successful in the long term. So we're stuck with Shuster "pimping", Lou Dobbs, and the Fox News clowns.

Folk, you'all are watching too much TV and spending too much time having silly arguments in blogs like this one.

May I suggest reading a book, taking a walk, engaging in a sport, having coffee with friends at a cafe, and, mmmmm, having sex with your partner.

To the Media: can't you write about the important issues of the day instead of the cheap trivia.

So, was Romney pimping out his sons when they were working on his campaign? Or does Shuster not realize that there are male prostitutes also?

]] Could David Schuster really do Chelsea anymore harm than what her father did to her when he had the tawdry affair in the Oval Office? Who, in fact, committed the greater offense here? And, which, in fact, will have a more lasting effect on her psyche? Yes, Mr. Schuster's offense was done by words, but her father's sexual abuse (call it what it was) of a young intern in the White House no less was by action. Posted by: dukey | February 8, 2008 01:31 PM

So dukey, are you saying it's OK to verbally abuse every woman whose father had an affair, or just the daughters of men you don't care for? Well, I have some news for you, and you're not going to like it. You're an enabler of abuse against women.

Yup, HRC hasn't sealed up the nomination because the media is out to get her. The coverage that Obama is getting has nothing to do with the fact that for the first time in at least a generation there's a politician on the scene who inspires people and makes them feel good about this country, and that this year's primaries have had an historic level of turn out and Independents and Republicans are voting for Obama in droves. Nope, it has nothing to do with that. It's just some talking heads who don't want HRC to get elected.

More likely "the media is out to get Clinton" thing was started by her campaign. You ever notice that whenever the Clintons are in a jam it's everybody's fault except there own?

Shuster's comment was way over the line. I hope Obama comes out and strongly condemns this kind of comment. It's almost in the same league as Bill C. comparing him to Jesse Jackson after he won SC.

The Big Media has been giving a free ride for this phony "rookie' salesman. This is not a suprise because all the media are against Clintons.

Look at the TV coverage, it's all about this phony salesman. I'm tired of seeing this phony on the TV.

What happened to that REZKO connection? Is he gonna return that house and lot that he bought from this scum? I don't think so because they are both scum....

To in_awe

That stuff about the Chinese and the Clintons is absolute GOP propaganda. How can you tell a Republican is lying? His lips move. Even if it were true, it would not come close to the Reagan regime selling missiles to Iran while telling our allies they should not deal with people who take hostages because it encourages them to take more hostages.

Howard,
Shuster's comment is just one example of MSNBC's out of control anti-Clinton bias (except Dan Abrams). Even Tim Russert has jumped on the Obama bandwagon.
I normally don't defend Fox News, but over there they are actually more balanced in their reporting about the Democratic race than MSNBC and CNN.
Obama has gotten special treatment by TV and print media all along, while Hillary and Bill have been trashed and ridiculed.

The level of attacks against women is alarming. Everyone of you that has a mother, sister, or daughter would never want that phrase used to describe her helping you. If slang was acceptable, the "N" word would be in prevalent use and everyone would think that nothing was wrong with that either.

Shame does not seem to be a part of Shuster's vocabulary. His behavior is a reflection of the way he was raised and I think his parents failed him. Most intelligent people know how to express themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner. His obvious misogynist slip is just one more pile on from the anti woman gang at MSNBC. It has seemed to me obvious that MSNBC is racing to the bottom of the barrel cesspool reportage. I guess that is where they think they can get the Jerry Springer National Enquirer kind of viewers. I have actually begun watching FOX because at least you know where they are coming from and lately they seem to be more even handed. People have to realize that there is no fair and balanced news. They have all become shill pieces and rags pushing there own viewpoints. You have to search out the information if you want to get the facts. These so called news readers and opinion hacks are just a bunch of gasbags that like hearing their own voices. What a pathetic bunch of losers. Shuster is such a jerk that he doesn't even realize how insensitive his comment is. Well just your typical day at MSNBC. You should all be proud of yourselves. What upstanding professionals.

On the subject of tasteless comments about Chelsea Clinton, can anyone guess who made this one:

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father and Hillary Clinton is her mother."

It was John McCain, speaking at a 1998 GOP fundraiser.

It's not that he's a thug who attacks opponents' children, you understand. No, he's a straight-talking "maverick".

Come on, Whats the big deal? One Ho talking about something he knows alot about. Mr. Shuster is pimped by the conservative right favorite big dog GE (NBC). Sounds like one HO (Hoe) pointing his finger at someone else not realizing their are three of his own fingers pointing right back at himself. Some HO's (HOES) like Rush Limpwrist are so busy poping pills they never let the facts hold them back from spewing more lies to through off the general population from the truth.

Pity David Shuster. He was only trying to be one of the MSNBC boys. Their bias toward Obama destroys their credibility as "reporters" of news. People are no longer taking seriously the political analysis of Matthews, Scarborough, and even Russert. The guys better wake up. The Democrats are way smarter than this. I support Senator Clinton, but even to me, their molly-coddling of the Obama campaign smacks of trying to help a guy they do not believe has what it takes without their help. They should respect Obama and let his message speak on its own. Better yet, I would like to see them respect the American people who are viewing them as entertaining monkeys. What a waste of air time that could be better used to report the news.

No matter who you support, misogyny is unacceptable. This is not at all about political correctness.

This isn't some self-absorbed MTV fantasy show. It's a mainstream news organization and Shuster went way over the line of acceptable commentary.

It's hard to imagine a more anti-woman statement, short of using the 'c' word. Those who defend it need to get a grip on reality and review their own capabilities for mature and civil behavior.

This is elementary stuff, folks, that my kids learned by middle school, not to be PC but to be decent citzens of the world.

That Mr. Shuster's comment was in poor taste is undeniable. But in directing all comments to the inappropriateness of a very young man's choice of words overlooks an issue of even greater importance. I refer the the votes of the Super Delegates to the Democratic convention. These leaders of the Democratic Party presumably voted in their local precincts for the candidate they wish to elect. Why should they get a second vote at the convention? This reminds me of the past when nominees were selected in back rooms by political political operatives.

I cannot understand why Bushie has never been called on to come clean about his and Condi Rice's ongoing affair even to this day..his 4 day drinking binges going on now, his crack record, Laura's killing of her friend, Michael Douglas in Texas. Nothing is every in the news about how abusive he is to Laura, calling her a b----
to the news guys..yet Hillary and family is a target everyday. At least Bill got help for his problem..oh I forgot Nazi Bush turned to the Lord and Cheney. Yeah if he a christian, then the rest of us are all Mother Teresas. Now we have to listen to Old Worn Out McClain talk out of both sides of his mouth and he is without a nose..he lodged his nose up Bush's you-know-what and he will be just the same ole crap that is in power now. The Saudi money (authorized by the Bush Nazi Gang) is now going into Obama's pot..the nazi republicans know if Obama is the chosen democrat then the people will not be voting for him due to his race and muslim religion. Get smart Americans. Wake up and elect a smart person..Hillary.

I have found MSNBC to be extremley biased in favor of Obama. Chris Matthews, Timn russert and Keith Oberman have disgusted me lately with their reporting. many many woman are noticing the bias against Clinton and are tuning you guys out. I used to love K Oberman, but as of last week, he is no longer allowed in my house. He is falling in with the rest of the old white bastion of "talkers" who spew their opinions as if they were the last word and fact. Especially on super tuesday, tim russert was such a ...... His face when Hillary's numbers came up exactly as he was downplaying her vistory as not very big and then she was "creaming" obama, his face fell and he looked so sour. What is this networks probelm, afraid of telling the truth? Go ahead and push your candidate, i thought news was supposed to be objective but i can tell who each person is supporting, isn't that unethical? You guys were my last hope of objective news, so now i just read the interent and don't waste my time, excpet to note your advertisers every now and then so I DON'T BUY FROM THEM.

I am an Obama supporter who thinks Shuster owes Clinton an apology. I watch MSBNC a lot, and an irony here is that Shuster has frequently defended Hillary against attacks by Scarborough and others. I don't think he harbors any animosity to Hillary; I think he was just totally and inexcusable insensitive and therefore should apologize.

P.S. I'd like to see Howard Wolfson demand that Fox News apologize to Obama before agreeing to debate on Fox, as Hillary has done. Fox, you may recall, is the first TV outlet that gave credence to the false story that Obama attended a muslim madrassa.

Gennifer, Paula, Monica. The Clintons have had a lot of experience with bordellos. Just fits a pattern I guess. Instead of standing up to Bill, she blamed the "right wing" conspiracy. The only conspiracy going on was in the Oval Office... and she was part of it so she had a political future.

Campaign Diaries just posted a clear chart as to what the Feb. 5th delegate count looks like, with state-by-state breakdown of where Obama and Clinton stand. CLinton is currently ahead but most of the 70 delegates that haven't been awarded yet are from Obama states. Check out the chart: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/02/february-5th-delegate-count.html

I'm not all that offended by the term given the context nor am I offended by an apology. I am offended by the notion in a so-called democracy that superdelegates that allow themselves to be smoozed and courted off-stage like they are celebrities might decide the outcome of this contest.

If the comment was about me, I would teach him a life time lesson like his pal Dan Imus.

Dear "jmfromdc"

I think you need to look up the definition of sexism. You don't seem to understand the meaning of the word. Calling the Bill & Hillary tag-team "Billary" is not sexism.

"as ugly as calling Obama an "oreo""

I didn't do that. You did. Classy.

People are certainly free to reject the idea that Hillary Clinton would make a good president, but good God I am sick to death of the canard that she is "willing to do anything" any more than any other serious Presidential candidate in the electronic media era. John McCain has somehow emerged as the candidate who "stuck to his guns" despite all the positions he has done a 180 on since 2000. Many have held up Bill Clinton's history of womanizing as an example of the Clintons' collective moral bankruptcy, but I wonder if Obama had any compunction about accepting the endorsement of that infamous serial monogamist Teddy Kennedy? (and I say that as someone who grew up in a household where JFK's photo was side by side with the Sacred Heart)

This just shows exactly how out of touch Hillary is with people under 50 and why Obama is so successful connecting with this group. The phrase "pimping" has long ago come to describe something pushing or promoting a product. You can probably thank Jim Rome, et al for this but anyone in tune with mainstream culture knows that in Shuster's context, he wasn't in anyway connoting prostitution. Hillary is just trying to score cheap political points as usual.

If you are deeply offended by the phrase "pimped out," then you only validate the stereotype of Hillary voters: too old. I'd stake that, privately, Chelsea isn't particularly offended; she's young enough to understand the context of the remarks.

Some of the past earlier debates have been more like reality tv, political theater, with the egotistic TV moderators injecting themselves into the conversation,trivializing the candidates to co-stars,who get fewer speaking lines and reduced billing.

Why can't the debates be held by the League of Women Voters on C-SPAN?

Edwards supporter, voted Obama in primary.

Shuster should be suspended a week or two without pay. That will get the empty talking heads' attention and make them a little more serious. Brokaw has been railing against his collegues stupidity for weeks now. A quick suspension will do much more than Tom's admonishments.

What in the world happens to these journalists when they get in front of the camera a few times? I always applauded our "free press" and the work these guys did to get a story and inform the public. But I see this happening over and over again. They become so carried away with themselves, so egotisical they can say the most outrageous and hurtful things about people, not based in fact, but personal opinions you might share over a beer at the pub. It's not only at Fox where we can take it for granted but MSNBC esp. Matthews, CNN's Lou Dobbs ("If I say it, its true") Glenn Beck and even Keith has become really arrogant. I don't think people are leaving tv news--I think tv news is leaving the people....I know I don't watch it much anymore.

If shuster apologizes then he is worthless as a reporter. He is easily intimidated by billary and will be biased in favor of them from now on. If billary is willing to put their precious daughter-of-convenience out there, then she is open to all press scrutiny, plain and simple.

I'm an Obama supporter, and I agree that the comment was very inappropriate. Shuster should be admonished for it.

What I wish I didn't feel was that Senator Clinton will garner sympathy votes from many based upon it, and will actively seek to do so. A complaint could've been made privately, and in a professional manner.

Another thing. The real sadness of all of this is that Clinton's machinations in situations such as these only drive more and more people away. Why?

Because no matter how much we want to, we simply can't trust her intentions. I wish I could be convinced that her campaign - not her or Chelsea directly, which I found odd - making an issue of this was strictly about righting a wrong.

But I simply can't. And that's a big reason I cannot vote for her in these primaries.

Just wanted to say, Kudos to CMMS1.

The Clinton campaign will do anything to avoid the story of the day: why Hillary is losing. Just another idiotic attack to get the media to cover something else.

Two comments about the substance of the "gaffe."

1) In my book, "pimped out" is no big deal. To work at any level in politics is to prostitute one's self in some degree -- and I ought to know, I did it for almost ten years.

2) Does the Clinton campaignj really think that Chelsea will sway any superdelegates? What a stupid idea.

I wonder if Dan Abrams will put this in his "Beat the Press" segment. Clearly a mistake by Shuster, who while an excellent journalist, sometimes lets his emotions get the better of him. He should apologize. But, why doesn't Chelsea ever talk to the media? It's almost Cheney-esque. If you're going to actively campaign, you should be available to the media. How long before Shuster's comment ends up in a Clinton fundraising email?

MSNBC is totally in the tank for the Obama campaign. It is non stop, wall to wall propaganda.

MSNBC is formally renamed to "Obama Networks"

Any Obama supporter who doesn't think "pimped out" is offensive, consider how you'd feel if that comment was directed towards your guy. Um, yeah. I can hear the howls ringing right now and they should! Whether you support Clinton, Obama or McCain there has to come a point when these reporters are held accountable for grossly inappropriate comments and kudos to MSNBC for doing so this time.

Now, if only they could do something about the mostly indrectly offensive but deeply irksome bias on the part of every other MSNBC (aka, The Obama Network) anchor against Senator Clinton and for Senator Obama. That would be nice, too.

I'm not sure I see how this comment is offensive. He clearly wasn't suggesting that she was offering sexual favors to super delegates in return for their votes. Someone needs to tell these folks that pimp is often used with no reference to prostitution. Also, camp Clinton should also realize by now that drawing attention to anything sexual as it relates to their campaign is a bad idea. All it does is remind people of Bill's White House escapades.

Obama supporters are really a particular breed. So "pimp out" is not insulting? It has nothing to do with, let's say, sexism and male chauvinism? Not even a little bit? I guess not on "your books". However, you are very sensitive about race and whenever someone mentions something that is even remotely connected to the fact that the candidate you support belongs to an African-American group and that this may play some role in his campaign you go berzerk and start screaming racism. On my books, that is called double standard. In fact, I actually don't care what you think. What bothers me is that Obama and his campaign people show the same symptoms from time to time .

MSNBC has reached the nadir. They think because Mr. Olbermann has a point of view, they can sick Tweety on women in general and Hillary specifically; now, MSNBC serves as a stage for Dan Schuster's college boy gutter talk. Enough is enough.

Has America already forgotten how Bill Clinton gave out pardons to the highest bidders at the end of his 2nd term? Or how they 'pimped out' stays in the Lincoln room in the WH?
The media are just regular folks like everyone else. When they don't like a candidate, they usually, but not always, have a pretty good reason.

Maybe Shuster should cry on camera ...

OK, MSNBC's Schuster's comments are offensive. Compare them to what Bill Clinton has said and implied about Obama. Has Hillary Clinton apologized about Bill? She sure has muzzled him without apologizing or firing him. Hillary Clinton will not admit mistakes. That combined with her flip flopping (license issue, campaign focus....), incompetence (health care reform), extremely poor and perhaps pure politics judgement on central issues (Iraq, Iran), vindictiveness towards perceived Democratic adversaries (Cooper), racism (pointing out in a debate that hispanics are taking jobs from blacks based on ONE conversation she obviously wanted to highlight).....etc, I would say Hillary Clinton is getting a pass by the media. Yeah bring up Renzo and we can talk about Travel Gate, release of her papers.....etc.

Why must we--as a society--always express everything in vulgar terms, especially when it relates to illicit and immoral sexual behavior? Perhaps the younger folks are "used to" these filthy terms and do not find them offensive, but there are many of us who know their original and/or current derivation, and we find them disgusting. I don't want to hear about people's fornication, urination, homosexuality, divorce, adultery, prostitution, molestation, rape, pornography and other forms of vulgarity! Choose OTHER nouns, verbs and adjectives . . . and leave the filth at YOUR home, not mine. Thank you.

I am amazed by some of the trimmers here. Agreed David Shuster is a good reporter. But for months now the MSNBC crowd have taken to beating up on the Clintons. Jayne's idiotic remark about the thin skinned Clintons betrays a level of stupidity or ignorance about how the MSM has treated the Clintons over the years. MSNBC has a pattern bring pro-Obama and anti-Clinton. I don't question their right. I just question their lack of integrity. I have yet to find anything bad about Chelsea Clinton's personal life or work ethic. I can recall some other first daughters who has an extra drink or two and I did not want them to be beat up.

The Clinton campaign, if it has the guts, should boycott MSNBC and not give any interviews to any MSNBC reporters and pundits. At least that will be a good reason for MSNBC to continue being anti- Clinton. MSNBC is a corporation in the business of making money. Nobody appointed them to represent me and question candidates on my behalf.

A really unfortunate remark. I understand that the word "pimp" means different things to people of different ages, but the consideration should be whether some people are offended by it, not whether some people *aren't*.

Anyhow, it doesn't change my support for Obama, who I still believe is the most qualified candidate.

This is worthy of a worst person spot by Olberman but will he go after his colleague...I doubt it.

MSNBC does appear to have a bias regarding the coverage of Clinton vs. Obama. A week or two ago, when the "Morning Joe" show had Mike Barnacle on, they talked extensively about how wrong it was for the Clinton campaign to allegedly interject race into the discussion. Immediately after that, Barnacle said, and I paraphrase, that Hillary is like a man's first wife at a probate hearing! And then, they all laughed, like good old boys, including Mika Brzezinski. There appeared to be no awareness of the utter hypocrisy of using sexist commentary while calling a woman on supposed racism. I find it very disheartening that a serious female candidate still has to face this kind of "reporting" in this day and age.

Why don't they concentrate more on the little things that make Hillary the person she is... Like the fact that when her husband was in the Whitehouse she had a standing order for secret service and most subordinates, to not make eye-contact with her.

How about other offensive behavior (to her staff especially) when she actually made it into her Senate Office?

I think the only people still believing that the Hillary you see on TV these days, is the person she actually is, are those same people that have never had to deal with her pre-presidential personality on an intimate level.

I can honestly say that HAD she been a better person overall in the past, I think I would have voted for her. As it stands, I (and anyone else including most of her "workers") would vote for anyone BUT her. Unfortunately those of us that have had the opportunity to see who she is first-hand, will never sway those that gleen all their "knowledge" from the press.

God help this country if she takes the reins.

That's how Black people talk, so Obama supporter do not care.

The word "pimp" actually has multiple definitions, one of them a verb, meaning "to exploit". Check out dictionary.com : http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pimp

"...Shuster did make that point on the air -- after his pimped out comment, which was not delivered as a joke..."

Okay, so what's up with Shuster's high pitched giggle after he said this disgusting thing? Look at the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIxgw04Y0Fc

I'm sorry but does he giggle when talking about Iraq, Iran, the economy or the futures market?

It was intentional and it was wrong. As a mom of a daughter I say the Clintons have every right to be outraged.

The decision of whom I would support did not come easy to me; in fact, I didn't make up my mind until after Bill's series of offensive comments that basically hinted to I, as an African American was incapable of making a choice of whom I would support based upon issues and not on race. As an African American woman, I must admit that I was and still am very proud to have the first woman and the first African American leading the race for the next President. But, more importantly, I was and still am proud that they are both the best candidates that we've had on any ticket GOP or DNC at least in my adult life. Prior to the mud slinging I thought the perfect ticket would be a Clinton/Obama ticket and I still do, but hope that the damage is repairable--I'm pestimistic to that fact. Personally, I believe that a better ticket would be Obama/Clinton, but as we all know if we're truly honest on this subject, America would never elect a 70+ year old woman which would be Clinton's age after two Obama terms if she decided to run for President. I know this sounds sexist, but it's the truth. However, if by some miracle the two of them emerge from this mess on one ticket, it's a ticket that I will definately support. I will also support a Clinton ticket if Obama, whom I now support does not get the nomination.

Shuster's comment was inappropriate, and I believe an apology is in order, but I don't understand why anyone would believe that it's Obama's responsibility to comes out and strongly condemns Shuster's on it--he didn't make it, and I don't believe that he would ever make a comment such as that, nor would he support it. I also don't see how Shuster's comment compares to Bill's comment comparing Obama to Jesse Jackson after he won SC. Shuster is not a member of Obama's family or staff and Obama certainly cannot control the comments of media. Also, while I believe Shuster's comment was definately sexist, I watch MSNBC on a regular, and while I believe the reporting is somewhat bias against Hillary, I don't recognize it as being sexist as much as it is that the reporters have a personal bias against Bill and Hillary. I agree with the Clinton supporters on this blog in that I believe that if asked who they support, most of the reporters mentioned on this blog would definately choose Obama over Clinton simply based upon the way they are reporting.

I'd also like to add that I too find it interesting that Chelsy is being used (not pimped) to solicit super-delegates--does fall right in line with Hillary's sympathy strategy that she uses when she's falling behind...play on women, play on children--like speaking at high school events. I'll just be happy when this whole thing is over and we can look forward to supporting the Democratic candidate to Presidency and get that idiot George Dubya (you can call me unpatriotic or whatever for that comment) out of office and start the healing of our Nation!!!

And just who is David Shuster anyway - he's not exactly a household name with any credibility - he's certainly not "must see" in my house. He's certainly no Kieth Olberman, that's for sure.

And if you think the concept of pimping is not offensive any context whether it's your ride or your daughter or your sister then we are in a sad state

SEXISM is rampant and MSNBC should do more than make their commentators apologize they should fire them.

I hope women realize what is going on here and respond by voting in droves for Hillary Clinton.

When some jerk held up a sign in NH at at Hillary rally saying "Hillary iron my shirts" most of the press laughed it off. Can you imagine is the same jerk held up a sign at an Obama rally that read "Barack shine my shoes", what the uproar would have been.

It is time to hold the press responsible for what they do and say. If it is a finable offense to have our children hear a dirty word on TV this is even worse because it perpetuates for another generation that sexism and insulting women is OK.

It all comes down to who is the best qualified and the best role model.

Obama used cocaine repeatedly.

What kind of meesage does that send our children?

This is not funny. With all the candidates out there having their families promoting their candidacy, why did Schuster pick the only daughter of the only woman running? No one criticized Romney's children, Bush's children, Gore's children, Cheney's children, etc. for promoting their parent's candidacy. Local, state and national politicians' families work for their candidacy. Why single out Chelsea Clinton (a smart, perfect, lovely young lady) for this kind of comment? This is not a common term that we all use. It still has very negative connotations and belongs in the gutter, not mainstream cable TV. At the very least, Schuster should be suspended and perhaps get some counseling and training as to what is respectful of women and what is not. He owes MSNBC's female viewers and the Clinton family a huge apology and a promise that he will never be such a clod again.

Nice work, MSNBC..

You've let your sexist Obama cheerleader Chris Matthews turn David Shuster into Ann Coulter.

I agree that Shuster was trying to be one of the boys and just wanted to get off a good line he could brag about later.

But that's the problem. Can you imagine Chet Huntley or David Brinkley saying such a thing? Journalists have changed -- not necessarily for the better.

Here is the barometer to be used here: What would the outrage have been if Shuster had said this about Michelle Obama or McCain's wife?

My guess here is it would have been a lot higher and louder.

Regardless of whom one supports, there is a standard of decency to uphold in the press. The press has failed in its attempt to either coronate King Barack or Queen Hillary. MSNBC especially has tried to force its collective opinions on its viewers rather than being fair to them.

They have maligned almost all candidates except for Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama. this is not good journalism.

Incidentally, I do not think Schuster made an effective apology. he basically said if he offended anyone he was sorry. He still has not seen the error of his statement.

The nine year old reporter said Chelsea was very nice to her. Like other candidates families, Chelsea has no obligation to speak to the press.

It is surprising that even Keith Olbermann has began to partake in this unacceptable form of journalism. Pat Buchanan has been much more impartial. about the only person on MSNBC that is balanced is Dan Abrams.

hopefully, this will serve to correct the blatant disregard for impartiality on MSNBC. If not, their ratings will suffer.

Bitterpill8:

In response to your very persuasive comment -- insert rolling eyes here -- "Jayne's idiotic remark about the thin skinned Clintons betrays a level of stupidity or ignorance about how the MSM has treated the Clintons over the years":

I think you need to go Cheney yourself.

I was a supporter of the Clintons right up until the point that Bill shamelessly pandered to the lowest form of racism in South Carolina. I haven't heard Hillary apologize for any of his remarks. I am well aware of how the Clintons have been treated over the years, but I don't think that gives them any excuse to behave the same way or worse. Whining about the slang term "pimp" to describe, accurately, what they're using their daughter for, even while engaging in trash talk themselves, earns them no points for character or courage.

I am appalled and disgusted by the way MSNBC has displayed their dismay over HILLARY CLINTON'S RUN FOR PRESIDENCY! This shows how bias and childish, and extremely bias opinions finally got some attention. I have completely stopped watching MSNBC AFTER SEEING HOW IT BECAME THE "OBAMA NETWORK" THEY WORSHIP AND DROOL OVER HIM LIKE HE WAS MESSIAH COMING DOWN TO EARTH! I am SO DISGUSTED BY DAVID SHUSTER AND WISH THESE WHITE AFFLUENT TRUST FUND BABIES WOULD REPORT THE NEWS AND LEAVE OUT THEIR ANGER AND FRUSTRATIONS! THAT WAS A FREUDIAN SLIP HE DID...AND IT SHOWS HOW MUCH HATRED MSNBC HAS FOR A WOMAN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENCY...I WONDER IF THEY TREAT AND TALK ABOUT THEIR SISTERS AND MOTHERS LIKE THAT... I am so disappointed over the news and how they have handled the coverage of the election...99% of the MEN in CNN, FOX AND MSNBC HATE HILLARY AND ONLY REPORT WHEN THE POLLS ARE AGAINST HER.. I WISH THE BIAS REPORTING WOULD STOP AND #### HILLARY DO NOT SHOW UP TO THE DEBATE #### IGNORE MSNBC AND DO NOT GIVE THEM INTERVIEWS!!!! WHAT THEY DID IS DIGUSTING!!!! THESE WHITE CONNECTICUT MINORTY MEN NEED TO BE CLAMMED UP AND HILLARY PUT THE CABASH ON THEM!!!

You're right, svreader, it does come down to who is most qualified. Let's compare Senate records.

OBAMA

What has Obama done in the 3 years he's been in the Senate?

Bills authored or co-sponsored by Obama include the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 (became law), the Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act (became law), the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (passed the Senate), the 2007 Government Ethics Bill (became law), the Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill (in committee), and many more.

In all since he entered the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.

CLINTON

Senator Clinton, who has served seven years, has managed to author and pass into law exactly twenty pieces of legislation. These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress (www.thomas.loc.gov), but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for you:

1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site. 2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month. 3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. 4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall. 5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson. 6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea. 7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day. 8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day. 9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death. 10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship. 11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship. 12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program. 13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda. 14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death. 15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty.

Only five of Clinton's bills are more substantive.

16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11. 17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist landmine victims in other countries. 19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care. 20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

(Thanks to poster p3ng for looking all this up on the Library of Congress site.)

I recognize it's an asymmetric representation of their records, but the point is that Obama has written and passed major legislation, while Clinton has mostly just taken care of her constituents without demonstrating real vision.

So who's the candidate of substance?

The Clintons will not release their tax returns. Is this a smoke screen to take eyes off of that and the fact that they will not release White House records either? They are asking people to vote for them, but are not being transparent. Why? Barack has released his tax returns.

The Obama supporting scumbags jump on Bill Clinton as a racist for his fairy tale comment but believe that calling Chelsea a prostitute is fine.

These people are pathetic, disgusting creatures who don't meet the stand to be called human beings. If this is what their hero Obama inspires in them, then he and his supporters are beyond contempt. That fool Rush used to make fun of Chelsea's looks when she was a teenager in the Whitehouse, but even he did not stoop to calling her a prostitute,as the Obama supporting rascals have done.

I am already beyond the point of ever voting for that man who inspires millions of people to spew venom and throw epithets at people like Chelsea; if the Obama supporting lowlifes keep this up, then millions of Clinton supporters will follow suit if ever that prophet of hatred becomes the Democratic nominee.

Try this on for size, MSNBC..

Have either of those squawking airheads David Shuster or Chris Matthews say the Obama campaign is "pimping out" Michelle Obama or Oprah Winfrey

..and let's see what happens.

Shuster's comments are disgusting. MSNBC has been shameless in their degradation of Hillary Clinton and shameless in their promotion of Obama, 24/7.They are totally sexist, always snarking about women, attacking Hillary constantly. Mika (her father supports Obama) just sits there and plays along, which is really galling. MSNBC is the Obama network. It's very telling when Fox news is more balanced than MSNBC and CNN. Ask yourself why the corporated owned media is promoting Obama? BEcause, they know he's unelectable. It's so obvious, they are trying to destroy the Dems chances of victory in November. They fear Hillary.

VOTE SMART ** VOTE HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!!

BOYCOTT MSNBC - BOYCOTT OPRAH, WHO BETRAYED HER OWN GENDER, WOMEN WHO MADE MILLIONS FOR HER, SHE BUILT HER ENTIRE CAREER AROUND WOMEN, SUPPORTING WOMEN, CELEBRATING WOMEN, AND WHEN THE TIME CAME TO PUT HER MONEY WHERE HER MOUTH HAS BEEN, OPRAH CHOSE RACE OVER GENDER - BOYCOTT OPRAH!

SOLIDARITY SISTERS!!!!!!! WE WE WILL NOT LET MSNBC AND CORPORATE OWNED MEDIA PICK OUR PRESIDENT - VOTE HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If he used the word to discribe Michelle Obama's work for her husband, he would be called "RACIST". Al Sharpton and Jackson would be outside the NBC tower till he gets fired.

"I was a supporter of the Clintons right up until the point that Bill shamelessly pandered to the lowest form of racism in South Carolina...
Posted by: Jayne"

Assuming you are charging him with racism, that's a very serious charge, one that should only be leveled with the greatest of care. On what would you possibly base that?

Obviously, a lowlife mongrel like Jayne is used to being pimped by her dad and now is doing the same to her daughter and little sister and so does not think it is a big deal to use those words. But to millions of more normal people in the country, it is a highly offensive word.

If he used the word to discribe Michelle Obama's work for her husband, he would be called "RACIST". Al Sharpton and Jackson would be outside the NBC tower till he gets fired

BitterPill:

You haven't read the British press if you honestly have yet to find anything bad about Chelsea Clinton's personal life.

Jayne, I understand, this is not offensive to you, because Black people use the word very often, right?

it was only this morning that i was thinking good about david, watching him try to have a rational discussion on the morning joe show, only to have the bufoon star of the show, big mouth scarborough cut him off and keep up his ludicrous rantings that the war is good, the surge is working, and dems are withering traitors. i' like to meet him in an alley, and we'll se if the chicken hawk can live up to his big mouth. so sorry schuster made this unfortunate remark, cause i did sort of like his approach up to now, and hope he can redeem himself. yes, we dems do believe in redemption.
mike m.

For what it's worth -- and this is intended more as an explanation than as an excuse -- I think the media's treatment of the two candidates is caused by the old "norm of reciprocity".

By all accounts, Clinton is distrustful of the media -- probably in large part because she learned early on to think of the media as scandal-chasers. Her campaign has a full-time staff of spinners, and I don't think you can argue that she and her closest surrogates didn't say some dishonest things about Obama leading up to South Carolina. So, because the Clinton campaign seems to have such a cynical attitude towards the press, the press is much more comfortable covering the Clinton campaign with reciprocal cynicism.

Obama's campaign has, by contrast, employed fewer spinners. That's not to say that they haven't tried to spin things on a number of occassions, but I think it's fair to say that, on the whole, his campaign is less concerned with spin than hers is. And the Obama campaign has, in general, a less paranoid attitude towards the press, and seems to make a stronger effort to view others in good faith. So, the media feels less comfortable taking cheap shots at a candidate and campaign that it feels is cleaner.

I know this is a pretty nebulous set of claims, and it certainly doesn't excuse comments like Shuster's. But I think it helps explain why the media has been more willing to pull out the brass knuckles when criticizing Clinton.

And I think it also does reflect somewhat on Obama's leadership style, on the sort of press he'd be likely to receive in a general election and as president, and on the way that he relates to people on a personal level.

Anyhow, that's my two cents.

I think people are getting sick of all the FOX/MSNBC/CNN pundits, the militant women and Hillary, the cultic followers and Obama and the foaming at the mouth Rush, Coulter et al.

McCain will win the day.

This is news?

How about another opportunity for the Clintons to play victim. Geesh, this gets old.

Matthews' comment about the sympathy idea may have been politically incorrect, but it's partly true. There are women who identify with her solely for that reason. Had it not come from a male it would have been received differently. If he had said all women are for her for that reason, that would have been over the line, but the fact that some do is just fact.

I sincerely hope MSNBC will not be bullied by the Clinton campaign as they try to stifle free speech, i.e. anyone holding them accountable for what they say and do.

They're brutal in how they engage in their own politics of personal destruction, but then flip out over this?

I will say it again. Everything the Clintons do is for personal gain and exploitation. They are experts at portraying themselves as victims when they are the bullies. South Carolina forever changed the way many dems now see them and rightfully so.

Their crap is not only starting to hit the fan, but a lot of it's landing right back on them and it's grows more and more pathetic every day.

For what it's worth...
Anyhow, that's my two cents.

Posted by: davestickler

I think you're overcharging. My countertheory is Barack Obama is the Green Lantern and he's doing it all with the ring. Sshhh. I think you owe me.

Hmmmm..

Let's see if I have this right..

Bill Clinton calls Barack Obama's position on the war in Iraq a "fairy tale" and he's suddenly labeled by MSNBC as a bigot.

Two weeks later, MSNBC says The Clintons have "pimped out" their daughter and that's just political "reporting."

Okay..

Remind me to never watch MSNBC again.

Or buy anything that says "General Electric" on it.

Ever.